The University of New Mexico men's and women's soccer programs will begin their 19th season at the UNM Soccer Complex in the fall of 2015. The complex received $200,000 worth of renovations over the summer of 2001, including six new irrigation drains. In the summer of 2012 the pitch itself was overhauled and replaced. Synthetically grown Bermuda grass, which is enhanced for growth and life expectancy, is now the current playing surface.
In the second phase of construction, the men's and women's soccer locker rooms underwent dramatic renovations, including new lockers, carpeting and floor tiling, upgraded shower facilities and a redesigned lighting and ceiling structure. The new and improved locker rooms now provide both visiting and home teams with professional style accommodations.
The Lobo Soccer Complex has a seating capacity of 6,200. Located 5,335 feet above sea level, the complex serves as the home for Lobo Track & Field in the spring.
"Our facilities here at UNM compare to any in the country," women's soccer head coach Kit Vela said. "The field is outstanding, the weight room and training room are both excellent and they're all supported by a top-notch staff. The players love training and competing in this environment."
The Lobo men's soccer team has put up some impressive numbers under head coach Jeremy Fishbein. In his eleven seasons at the helm of Lobo soccer, UNM has amassed a 95-17-10 record at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Lobo men have an all-time record of 123-40-12 at the UNM Soccer Complex.
The Lobo men have hosted nine NCAA Tournament games at the UNM Soccer Complex and are 7-1-1 in those matches. UNM defeated Portland, 4-1, in the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. In 2005, New Mexico downed Wisconsin-Milwuakee on penalty-kicks in the second round. The Lobos also defeated Cal State Northridge in overtime, 1-0 in the third round. A sold out crowd of 5,600 saw the Lobos defeat Cal, 1-0 in overtime in the quarterfinals, sending UNM to its first ever College Cup. In 2009, when the Lobos lost to the University of Portland 2-1 in overtime.
The Lobos hosted Duke in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and recorded the largest sell-out crowd in program history with 6,200. While the stadium was at capacity many more fans watched the game from outside the complex. The thousands of fans in attendance were treated to perhaps one of the most exciting games in New Mexico soccer history. After trailing most of the match, junior Blake Smith would tie it in the 82nd minute. The Lobos would finish the dramatic victory when freshman Carson Baldinger headed home the golden goal winner in the 98th minute to secure the 2-1 win.
In 2013 the Lobos earned a pair of victories: 1-0 over George Mason in the second round and 2-0 over No. 16 Penn State in the Sweet Sixteen. Against the Patriots, James Rogers scored a goal in the 83rd minute to give the Lobos the win on a snowy night. Then Riley McGovern and Oniel Fisher scored less than four minutes apart in the second half against the Nittany Lions to send the Lobos to the Elite Eight.
An average of 3,888 fans have attended the Lobos' nine NCAA Tournament home games.
Adjacent to the UNM Soccer Complex and L.F. "Tow" Diehm facility is spacious Robertson Field, which serves as the training center for the men's and women's soccer teams.
The lush synthetic Bermuda grass playing surface at the UNM Soccer Complex is carefully cut and treated before each game by UNM's sports turf specialists. The crew then applies the trademark cherry-red paw, welcoming fans and players to Lobo Country.
Both the UNM Men's and Women's Programs ranked in the top-10 in national attendance consistently. In 2005, the Lobo men led the nation in attendance during their run to the College Cup, averaging at the time a new NCAA record of 3,629 fans per game. In 2011 the Lobo men finished third in the country in attendance, and the women's team finished fourth as they averaged over 2,000 spectators a game.
2013 was another great season for attendance for both soccer programs. Each team finished eighth in the nation for average attendance, with the men's squad averaging 2,121 fans per match, and the women averaging 1,431.
Located just east of University Stadium, the UNM Track-Soccer Complex can be easily accessed by exiting off I-25, just south of the Big-I, at Avenida Cesar Chavez. Head east on Avenida Cesar Chavez. After crossing University Boulevard, the UNM track-soccer complex is located on the right, just past University Stadium.